Following the corridor of the former Johnson Trolley Line in Lawrence Township, N.J., the Johnson Trolly Line trail is a 1.9 mile route that is divided by Interstate 95. While there is talk of linking the two sections with an overpass, at the present time attempting to bridge the gap on-road can be treacherous as it involves crossing over a highway bridge on a small sidewalk alongside a busy road. Instead, visitors should consider the route to be two separate trails.

The Johnson Trolley Line North, runs along a paved route for about 1 mile between Gorden Avenue and Denow Road in Lawrenceville, N.J. through a tree-lined neighborhood. The former trolley line was known as the “Fast Line,” and was run by The Trenton-Princeton Traction Company from around 1901 until 1940. This short, but scenic trail is ideal for families and offers shade on hot summer days.

The Johnson Trolley Line South is a continuation of the former “Fast Line” route, and is a linear park that runs from the Shabakunk Creek at the Ewing Township border in the south to Rider University in the north. At just under one mile in length, the southern route connects the future Heritage Park, the Loveless Nature Preserve, Central Park, and Rider University’s nature trail. The trail is a work in progress with the section that runs alongside Johnson Avenue paved, while north of Eggerts Crossing Road is in need of resurfacing and is not suitable for road bikes.

The northern section intersects with the popular Lawrence Hopewell Trail, while the southern section does not currently link to other Circuit Trails. For maps of both segments click here.

New Jersey’s Johnson Trolley Trail | Photo by Anya Saretzky

New Jersey’s Johnson Trolley Trail | Photo by Anya Saretzky